Taiba Albahrani

Lead Learning Resource Specialist - Yas School

Taiba Albahrani is an Emirati educator, published author, and Lead Learning Resource Specialist at a government school in the UAE. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in English Literature from Zayed University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership and School Improvement at Emirates College for Advanced Education. Having taught students from kindergarten to middle school across charter, private, and government schools, including as a Grade 6 English Educator and Technology Coach, Taiba brings a unique perspective on teaching, learning, and educational leadership. A lifelong learner, she is guided by one clear philosophy: empowering students and teachers to actualize their full potential. She is passionate about creating innovative, inspiring, and interactive learning spaces where both students and educators can be immersed in curiosity, growth, and the joy of learning.

Speaker Sessions

GESS Talks Live 1628

Nov 12 2025 | 2:05pm - 2:50pm

Panel Session: Stories from the Trenches: Supporting Early Career Teachers

Session Summary:

This panel will centre the voices of early career teachers as they share personal narratives that reflect the realities of entering the profession today, their aspirations, the challenges they face, and the ways they are growing through experience. Too often, the perspectives of beginning educators are underrepresented in professional dialogues, despite the valuable insights they bring from the front lines of the classroom.

Through authentic storytelling, panelists will illuminate the tensions between preparation and practice, the need for responsive mentorship, and the importance of feeling seen and supported during the critical early years of teaching. The session will also open space for discussion on how schools and systems can more effectively retain early career teachers, not through generic programs or rigid frameworks, but through intentional, relational support that honors their evolving identities as educators.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of new teachers and some actionable ideas for fostering inclusive, empowering environments that nurture their development and strengthen the profession as a whole.

Speakers:

Professor Rana Tamim | Professor, CEO and Founder - University of Toronto & EduBridges
Carine EL Yamani | Head of English Department; RISE Lead (Research and Innovation for Sustainable Education) - Saint Mary's Orthodox College
Yamna Kamal | Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher - Al Rayana Charter School
Taiba Albahrani | Lead Learning Resource Specialist - Yas School